Page 5 of Falling Offsides

“Can we get some space, please!” The medic orders, dispersing the guys as he gets the smelling salts out.

Baited breath.

That’s all I am right now.

She coughs, eyes blinking open. Stark. Confused.

Deer in the headlights.

Looking straight into mine.

Bright blue.

Snow White.

That’s the first real thought that pops into my head.

Not:Thank God.

Not relief.

Snow—fucking—White.

Obviously I’ve lost my mind because the instant she sucks in a deep breath, I shovel my hands beneath her and lift her up into my chest, skating her straight to the bench. Logic says that’s where I should stop, right?

That’s logical.

But, no.No.

That is not what I do.

I’m panicking at the sight of all the blood as I race her to the medic’s room with Doc chasing me.

“Okay, Bruce,” he says as I continue clutching her in my arms above the assessment bench.

Her stare is still dazed and on me, as though she’s trying to process what in the fuck is happening. I hope she works it out for the two of us soon.

There’s a possibility I’m about to have a heart attack when she sputters, “Ugh… that was… ugh… wow.”

“Fuck,” I mutter back. “I didn’t… I didn’t even see you.”

My voice is low. Too low and rough andguilty.

“Okay,” she croaks, attempting to push herself out of my hold. “Ow.”

Instinctively, my hold tightens slightly as I tell her, “Stay with me.”

“Trying,” she breathes. “You’re… umm… really warm.”

“How about you put the patient down,” Doc says with a tray of paraphernalia, ready to stitch her up. “Let me take over now, Broussard.”

I nod, placing her on the table and edging to the side so that he can do his thing while I ensure she doesn’t die of some kind of complicationlike in those shows Sabine watches. It’s the last time I tell my baby sister to turn that shit off, seems like I could’ve learned a thing or two…

“Auguste?” Doc peers up at me and side glances to the door. “You can step outside now.”

“Is she okay? She’s not going to pass out again or… or go into a coma or have one of those… whatdoyacallit… ana… anade… anedema?”

“Anedema?” He looks at me like I’ve grown another head.